Fin's Fish Guide
The Batfish (Platax orbicularis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ephippidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Indo-Pacific; sheltered coastal waters to deeper, turbid habitats and wrecks.
Description
The orbicular batfish is a reef fish of the batfish family (Ephippidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a nearly round, strongly laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with tall dorsal and anal fins. Adults live from shallow, protected coastal waters to deeper, somewhat silty habitats, often near deep shipwrecks, solitarily or in small groups. Juveniles drift like a dead leaf among debris as camouflage. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, invertebrates and plankton. The orbicular batfish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Batfish?
The Batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Almost round, disc-shaped body; juveniles mimic a dead leaf as camouflage.
Where does the Batfish live?
The Batfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sheltered coastal waters to deeper, turbid habitats and wrecks.
How big does the Batfish get?
The Batfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Batfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Batfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Batfish edible?
The Batfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Platax
More from the family Ephippidae
Want the complete picture on the Batfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Batfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.